The woman, a giggling, self-conscious and unusually thin creature was determined to make the most of this opportunity. She stood on the edge of the truck, hesitating and grinning, blinking her eyes blithefully as she held one finger in her mouth. “Oh, I’ve never done a thing like this before in all my life!” she cooed bashfully.
“Well, I’m taking as much of a chance as you, sister,” the waiting Marine interrupted with harsh sarcasm, “so come on!”
As the two men who preceded Lefty on the line started to wade back to shore, carrying their feminine burdens, the boy stepped forward, impatiently waiting for his passenger and holding up his arms without looking up.
He felt someone’s hand touch his and then, before he knew it, there was Elinor in his arms, smiling her prettiest and looking more inviting than ever.
The unexpected appearance of this girl whom he had completely succeeded in shutting out of his life was too much for the boy. He gazed at her with open mouth and surprised, doubting eyes.
“Lefty!” she announced, making no attempt to conceal her eagerness, “I’m very glad to see you!”
An uncomfortable look shadowed the boy’s face and his eyes shifted uneasily as Elinor’s happy smile of welcome faded to an expression of keen disappointment over his indifference.
An uncomfortable look overshadowed the boy’s face at Elinor’s happy smile of welcome.
“Aren’t you glad to see me?” she asked hopefully.